Dogs scratch for a variety of reasons. Some dogs will do it when they’re nervous or anxious, while others do it as a form of self-care. When your dog scratches, they are using their nails to remove loose dirt and dead skin.
This is also a way for them to mark their territory by leaving scent pheromones so other dogs know that they’ve been there and taken care of business. Dogs scratch their beds for the same reasons we do: ants, parasites, and itchiness.
If your dog has a favorite spot to curl up at night, it may be time to invest in an outdoor dog bed instead. Let’s explore why your dog might be scratching his or her bed and what you can do about it!
Why Does My Dog Scratch His Bed?
Your dog may be scratching his bed because of pests. Many dogs like to scratch on wooden furniture or in corners because of the dust mites that sometimes collect there. It is a good idea to check the area where your dog likes to scratch for signs of pests.
If your dog likes to scratch under chairs or tables, it’s because he’s checking for termites, which are common pests in the south. If you are located in another part of the country, you may not have to worry about these pests! Another possible reason your dog is scratching his bed is because of allergies.
Allergies are common in certain breeds, like poodles, pugs, and shih tzus. It’s also more common in dogs that live in warm, humid climates. Another possible cause of scratching is something else, so it’s important to rule out any allergies that might be causing your dog to scratch.
Ants
Your dog may be scratching his bed because of ants. You may notice ants making a home under a table, or you may see ants carrying away bits of food from your dog’s bowl.
If your dog has a favorite spot to curl up at night, it may be time to invest in an outdoor dog bed instead. Ants love to nest in soft, damp places like gardens, so they tend to like areas that are often wet. If you notice that your dog is frequently scratching under furniture or in corners, it could be because of ants.
Parasites
Your dog may be scratching his bed because of parasites. Parasites like duck tape worms, hookworms, or roundworms make a home in your dog’s bed. Your dog may be trying to get rid of the worms by scratching at the bed.
These parasites are an issue in dogs that live in warm, humid climates. It’s important to look for parasites by checking your dog’s bed for signs of worms or other parasites. Parasites can be difficult to treat because they can live in several different areas of your dog’s body, so you’ll need to do a full-body check.
Itchiness
Your dog may be scratching his bed because of itching. It may feel good for your dog to scratch, and she may even associate the scratching with relieving her itching. If your dog scratches at night, it may be because she is itchy and has a severe case of eczema.
The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that your dog’s bed is comfortable. If it is too hard, your dog may scratch at the bed to find something softer to dig into. If it is too plush, your dog may scratch to get some relief from itching.
Outdoors!
Your dog may be scratching his bed because he wants to go for a walk. Dogs like to mark their territory by leaving scent pheromones so other dogs know that they’ve been there and taken care of business.
If your dog is constantly scratching his bed and you have a fence, it might be time to take him out for a walk instead. If you live in an area where it is permissible to take your dog outside, let him out to mark his territory whenever he has the opportunity.
If you live in an area where it’s not permissible to let your dog outside, try letting him out at the end of the day and see if that spurs him into action. If you don’t want your dog to mark his territory while you are out, you may want to consider an outdoor dog bed. Let your dog dig a bit and scratch in the dirt, and his behavior may change!
Conclusion
Dogs scratch for a variety of reasons. Some dogs will do it when they’re nervous or anxious, while others do it as a form of self-care. When your dog scratches, they are using their nails to remove loose dirt and dead skin.
This is also a way for them to mark their territory by leaving scent pheromones so other dogs know that they’ve been there and taken care of business.
Dogs scratch their beds for the same reasons we do: ants, parasites, and itchiness. If your dog has a favorite spot to curl up at night, it may be time to invest in an outdoor dog bed instead. Let’s explore why your dog might be scratching his bed and what you can do about it!
